Digital Innovations and the Evolving Roles of Accountants in Nigeria

Abstract

Digital technologies are reshaping the accounting profession worldwide, and Nigeria is experiencing distinct opportunities and challenges in this transformation. This study examines digital innovations and the evolving roles of accountants in Nigeria, focusing on the impact of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) on accounting practice. Guided by the Role Theory and Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT), the study employed a quantitative surrey research design to collect primary data from 400 accounting professionals. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square regression. Descriptive findings reveal high baseline technological awareness (AI Mean=3.79; Cloud Mean =3.77) and an intentional shift toward strategic advisory functions. However, inferential OLS results demonstrate that AI (β₁ = -0.03, p =0.466) and cloud computing (β₁ = 0.03, p =0.626). This statistical disconnect highlights a critical infrastructure-adoption gap: severe systemic barriers, notably a lack of professional training (Mean = 4.03) and poor electricity and internet infrastructure (Mean = 3.97) restrict digital tools to a supportive administrative capacity rather than a transformation driver. The study concludes that technological availability alone cannot redefine professional roles without corresponding organisation and environmental readiness. It recommends targeted investments in localized digital upskilling and national infrastructural stability to bridge the gap between technological adoption and professional transformation.